Paralegal Studies Certificate
How to Enroll in the Right One Near Orangevale California
Now that you have made a decision to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Orangevale CA, it's time to begin the process of choosing a school. However, it's essential that you locate the ideal school so that you will receive the comprehensive training that you need to achieve success. As you probably understand, the legal field is among the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and more and more educational alternatives are becoming available, both on campus and online. But with numerous options to choose from, where does one begin? A number of potential students start by searching for schools within traveling distance of their homes. Of those choices, they search for the program with the lowest tuition. But keep in mind, a school is not always the best choice simply because it happens to have a campus near your home or is lower in cost. There are many other considerations that you should evaluate when comparing schools, for example reputation and accreditation. We will address those topics and other important questions that you must ask the paralegal schools you are researching later in this article. But first, let's take a look at what a paralegal does and the academic choices that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals Compared to Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals basically both fill the same job positions and responsibilities, only with different titles. However, legal secretaries are not the equivalent of either of those two positions and are part of a different job classification. Both paralegals and legal assistants assist Orangevale CA lawyers with a wide variety of job duties, such as legal research, maintaining client files, communicating with clients, and drafting legal documents. Their particular job duties are relevant to the type of legal firm where they work. For example, a legal assistant for a criminal law firm might help with the logistics of a trial or delivering documents to court. In private firms, a paralegal's work is typically billed by the hour as are the lawyer's. And just like lawyers, they must conduct themselves with a high level of professionalism and follow a strict standard of professional ethics. As stated, their duties can be varied in support of the practices where they work, but a few of their day-to-day activities might involve:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Researching applicable cases and laws
- Preparing correspondence and legal documents
- Submitting legal papers with opposing counsel or the court
- Assisting attorneys get ready for trial and stay organized with their cases
- Organizing and preserving legal files, documents and other records
With all of their duties, the job of a paralegal can be complicated and rather challenging. However, what they are not legally permitted to do is give legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal proceeding. But they are not limited to clerical or administrative tasks more apropos to the job of a legal secretary. Paralegals truly are the main support systems for attorneys. And because they do so much of the legal ground work and preparation, lawyers are able to take on a much larger volume of clients or cases than they could otherwise.
Paralegal Education and Certification
As we previously covered, paralegals are basically the same as legal assistants, with paralegals arguably having more professional sounding job titles. In any case, for either position the educational requirements and opportunities will be the same. The quickest means to begin your career as a legal assistant in Orangevale CA is by earning a certificate, which may require just six months to accomplish. Most entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which offer a more comprehensive education and may be obtained at many community colleges in two years. For an even more extensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are an option as well. Once you have acquired either a certificate or degree, you might choose to proceed and earn a certification. Even though it is not a legal requirement in California to work as a paralegal, certification may not only help maximize your career opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional also. Some of the highly regarded certifying agencies in the field are:
- National Federation of Paralegal Associations
- American Alliance of Paralegals
- National Association of Legal Assistants
- National Association for Legal Professionals
By graduating with a paralegal degree or certificate from an accredited school (we will discuss the advantages of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken 2 essential initial steps that will help ensure your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Legal Assistant and Paralegal Online Classes
Online paralegal or legal assistant programs have become more available and may be an excellent option for those living in Orangevale CA searching for convenient access to classes and accommodating scheduling. Online schools can be particularly attractive to those who continue to work while obtaining a certificate or degree. As an added benefit, online programs can often be less expensive than on campus options. Even secondary expenses for such items as study materials or commuting can be reduced or eliminated. One caution, not all internet programs are accredited, which we will address in greater detail later. But at the very least accreditation helps ensure that the training you obtain is of the highest quality. So check to make certain that the school and program you are looking into are accredited by a highly regarded organization, for instance the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to attend classes in a less structured and conventional environment, then earning your degree or certificate online may be the right choice for you.
Things to Ask Paralegal Programs
Since you now you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what training choices are available, you can begin the undertaking of evaluating schools. But considering that there are numerous programs offered at community and junior colleges in the Orangevale CA area, in addition to trade and vocational schools, you need to know what questions to ask so that you can compare each one. This is especially true if you add all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs also. If you are like the majority of prospective students, you will start by looking for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously covered, there are other significant factors to think about as well, such as the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's take a look at a few of the questions you need to be asking the programs you are researching so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your final decision.
Is the Paralegal Program and School Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you choose should be accredited by a reputable accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it might also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance education. Accreditation will not only certify that the training you will get will be of the highest quality, but it will establish with potential employers that you are a qualified professional also. A number of Orangevale CA law firms will only hire entry level paralegals that are graduates of an accredited program. Also, financial aid and student loans are typically offered only for accredited programs.
What's the Reputation of the Program? Find out what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal programs you are looking at. This is of special importance if you are new to the profession with no previous work history, since employers will have to rely on the quality of your training exclusively. Verifying that the program you pick is accredited is an excellent first step. Checking school rating services can help determine school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also contact several Orangevale CA law firms that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask which schools they recommend. Remember that even though a school is not among the most highly rated, its paralegal program may still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the Program Sponsor Internships? Internship programs give students an opportunity to experience working in a law practice or other legal establishment while still in school. They can also present a pathway for students to begin developing contacts within the Orangevale CA legal community. Ask if the paralegal schools you are considering provide internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you have the most interest in pursuing after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help offered? You will most likely want to hit the ground running after graduation, but finding that first job in a new field can be difficult without support. Find out if the paralegal programs you are considering have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good sign that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with California legal services employers. It also confirms that their students are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the Campus Located? Considering that laws vary from one state to another, it might be a good idea to select a paralegal school domiciled in California or the state where you want to practice after graduation. In addition, it will be important to develop relationships in the local legal community, possibly by means of an internship program. This is even more reason to obtain your education in the area where you wish to practice. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, most charge an increased tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you might need to first consider those schools that are within the Orangevale CA region.
How Much is the Entire Expense? Paralegal schools can differ in price depending on the credential obtained and the amount of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only cost for your education. Don't forget to add the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial aid may be accessible to help reduce part of the cost, so be sure to contact the school's financial aid department to find out what is offered in Orangevale CA. Naturally if you decide to attend an online program, some of these added expenses, such as for commuting, may be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Classes Fit your Schedule? A number of legal students keep working while getting their training and require flexibility to schedule classes. If you can solely attend weekend or evening classes near Orangevale CA, verify classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make certain that the program you enroll in makes available that option. Finally, inquire what the protocol is for making up missed classes due to work, illness or family obligations.
Learn More About Becoming a Paralegal in Orangevale
Enroll in the Right Orangevale Paralegal Studies School
Selecting the best paralegal training school is a vital first step to guarantee your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have covered in this article, you have the choice of attending classes at school or you can participate online in the privacy and comfort of your Orangevale residence. Paralegal training programs are provided in various lengths and formats. Several types of private and public institutions provide paralegal training, including junior and community colleges, four year universities and colleges, as well as vocational and trade schools. Your choice of a paralegal school will have a pronounced impact on your prospects for success in your new profession. Given that there is a broad range in the quality of programs, choose carefully. Afford yourself the greatest possible chance to be successful in this rewarding profession. But no matter how you decide to receive your education and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have presented you will have the ability to assess each program and make your final selection. And with the appropriate education you can accomplish your career goal to become a practicing paralegal in Orangevale California.
Orangevale Paralegal Certificate Online | Orangevale Paralegal Studies